Page 2682 - Week 10 - Thursday, 15 October 1992
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to this Assembly, not to the Government. In respect of that position, where it was quite clearly a matter which should have been attended by the greatest objectivity, I think Mr Kaine fell down. I really do. On making the permanent appointment to that position, this Government took a very different course and did, in fact, have an independent selection panel and merit selection process, and an open and fair process, unlike Mr Kaine.
If members want to go through all of the selections that have been held, then I need to get advice on that; but I can certainly say, Madam Speaker, that there was no hint of politicisation in any of these positions.
Mr Kaine: Well, why are they on the interview boards?
MADAM SPEAKER: Order!
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, the interview panels are made up of a number of people, not including the Minister. Madam Speaker, in Mr Kaine's one and only case, he as the Minister was the only person who had anything to do with it. I think you are shooting yourselves in the foot with this issue. I really do. Madam Speaker, the question has been answered, and, as I say, if members opposite have a scandal they have to come up with it.
Mr Ian Warden has tried his very best to help you out there. I am surprised that you do not take up a few of his excellent suggestions as to what the underlying scandal might be. They really are, I think, wasting question time on this issue, and, what is worse, they are attempting to bring into disrepute a person who is about to take up a very sensitive, very senior and very difficult position. They are doing so for no apparent reason. I cannot detect any reason at all in it. I would suggest to them that they desist, because they make themselves ridiculous.
MR DE DOMENICO: I have a supplementary question, Madam Speaker. I preface the question by suggesting that we are also interested in the process. I agree with the Chief Minister that it should be an open and fair system. I remind the Chief Minister that, like the Auditor-General, she also reports to the Assembly. In light of that, will the Chief Minister provide for members of the Assembly what senior executive selection panels since 30 June 1991 have included members of ministerial staff?
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, to the best of my knowledge, the selection for the head of the Department of Education and Training included one such person, as did the selection of the Under Treasurer.
Consumer Affairs - Business Closure
MRS GRASSBY: My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Minister inform the Assembly what action consumers in the ACT can take in light of the close of Chris Marshall's business in Sydney?
MR CONNOLLY: Thank you, Mrs Grassby, for the question. Chris Marshall's Sydney business went into receivership on 22 September. It conducted an extensive mail order and telephone order business, retailing electrical goods and the like, which particularly focused on daytime television advertising, no doubt
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